Supplement to Travel Trade
April 2000

The Volendam

A New Generation of HAL Ships

By Ethel Blum

The Volendam has ushered in a new class of ships for Holland America Line just in time for the new millennium. The 63,000-ton, 1,440-passenger vessel incorporates the best elements of her sibling Statendam-class predecessors and many of the innovations introduced on the company’s flagship Rotterdam.

General configuration of the vessel is almost identical to the latter, but there are differences. If you’re a Holland America alumnus and have sailed either class of vessel, you’ll feel right at home. But, you’ll also find that the Volendam is very much her own ship, with a distinctive style and flair.

The Volendam reflects both the company’s traditional approach to cruising, and its focus on attracting a greater share of the contemporary market. The eclectic mix results in a style unique to the Volendam — one that will undoubtedly be known as “Vol-class”.

The third ship in Holland America’s 126-year history to bear the name, Volendam is setting a few “firsts” in the fleet. She is first in HAL’s new generation of ships; first to introduce an Internet center; first to exceed 60,000 tons; first to introduce a new funnel design; and first to feature an additional swimming pool on the Lido Deck.

According to HAL chairman and CEO Kirk Lanterman, “The nice thing about a new ship is that we can design it to reflect what our passengers currently want in a cruise.”

Included in the growing list, according to Lanterman, are expanded spa space and services. The Spa, operated by Steiner Leisure, features additional spa treatments, which include hydrotherapy baths, seaweed wraps and mud treatments. The aerobics area is one of the largest at sea, and ocean views are available from almost every piece of workout equipment.

Another innovation is the Web Site, which was so successful on the pre-inaugural cruise that David Giersdorf, senior vice president of marketing and sales, said that additional computers are being added and that Web Sites will be included on all newbuilds. Plans also call for retrofits of existing vessels to allow for Internet access.

The Web Site, operated by Digital Seas, a New York- and Florida-based company, has set a charge of 50-cents per minute, with a five-minute minimum, for Internet access.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, the Volendam has a floral design theme that makes her the lightest and brightest ship in the fleet. Flowers are everywhere in arrangements that run from impressionistic to traditional interpretations. The floral motif also is featured in other design elements, as well as in fabrics in most public rooms. The result is a happy, relaxed environment usually not found on such an elegant vessel.

As on the Rotterdam (and unlike on Statendam-class vessels), there is a third elevator lobby and a third double staircase, which means passenger, are always within about 130 feet from a staircase and elevator.

Another improvement carried over from the Rotterdam is an additional four inches of ceiling height in every stateroom. While it doesn’t seem like much, it makes a subtle difference is spaciousness.

Slightly larger than the Rotterdam, the Volendam was altered to accommodate a second swimming pool, outside on Lido Deck aft. Navigation Deck aft was extended for 48 additional mini-suites with verandas, as compared with the one entire deck devoted to suites on the Rotterdam.

Impressions start on embarkation into the three-deck oval-shaped atrium punctuated by a monumental glass sculpture named “Caleido,” created by Luciano Vistosi, the same artist whose spectacular works are centerpieces on the Maasdam and Veendam.

The immense column extends through three decks and is composed of metal, red lacquer and glass. It is filled with light and fiber optics so that all shades and colors penetrate blocks of glass. Like most contemporary art, it is subject to interpretation.

All passenger and public spaces are easily accessible from the three-deck atrium, which features twin glass elevators that go all the way up to Sky Deck.

Four complete decks are devoted to public space. Each of the six major lounges can be used for a variety of purposes, thanks to built-in flexibility. Frans Hals Show Lounge is the venue for formal entertainment and captain’s parties; Ocean Bar for pre- and post dinner dancing; Crow’s Nest serves as the observation lounge, disco and nightclub; and the Ambassador’s Lounge is a quiet retreat for afternoon tea and special events.

The Piano Bar is also used for private parties, but unlike similar rooms on S-class vessels, it is an area without walls, so that the music and merriment carries over to passengers walking through to other venues.

Other public rooms include the traditional Half Moon and Hudson rooms for meetings and private parties, as well as card playing, the Erasmus Library, a casino and the 165-seat Wajang Theater.

The Ambassador Lounge is my favorite place for after-dinner coffee, soft music and a late night relaxing pause before bedtime. On all HAL ships, Ambassador Lounges offer a seat at a sidewalk café table to watch the passing parade. But, unlike street cafes, there’s no charge for coffee or sweets, and the quartet entertains with soothing, low-key music.

Near the Ambassador Lounge and adjacent to the Piano Bar is a popular dimly-lit, pub-like bar area fashioned after a small, Amsterdam tavern. It can accommodate about 20 people, mostly standing. The piano, in an adjacent area, is on a turntable so that it faces both the dance floor and the bar patrons.

Sports Deck is anchored aft by the Crow’s Nest and forward by the children’s area, the Skyroom. The deck is subtly divided into three areas by décor, not walls, and almost encircled by floor-to-ceiling angled window walls affording unobstructed ocean views. The décor typifies the contemporary and traditional mix found throughout the vessel.

The areas facing the ocean are lined with leather reclining chairs and footstools. The port side, known officially as the captain’s area, was termed “a masculine area” by its designer, supposedly because of its wood accents and leather furniture. There is a beautiful bar and a place for small gatherings.

On the other side of the room is a more contemporary area in brighter colors. The small dance floor and sound equipment converts the room into a disco after 11 p.m.

Anchored aft on Sky Deck is the Skyroom, another multi-purpose area used for private gatherings and supervised kids’ activities.

When the ship is in Alaska, for example, the area becomes a playroom for younger kids, with a separate teenage area featuring a jukebox, dance floor and video games.

Frans Dingemans, primary architect and designer of the vessel, said that he drew inspiration for the double-decked Frans Hals Show Lounge from a theater in Amsterdam dating back to the turn of the 20th century. Dingemans thought its combination of dark woods and bright colored wood panels was worth replicating. He also had artisans duplicate the hand-painted ceramic vases that stand at the base of staircases leading to the showroom’s second level.

Dingemans used a variety of colors in the theater’s ceiling, and the resulting collage with running lights adds to an open and light atmosphere. The room is the most colorful of any Holland America lounge, yet it is not glitzy in spite of being bright. Even with the multi-colors carried through in furniture and draperies the atmosphere is mellow and quiet.

The Lido Deck is anchored forward by the Ocean View Spa and Gymnasium and aft by the traditional Lido Restaurant. Between them is a bar, a huge swimming pool, four whirlpools, comfortable sunning areas and lounge chairs, and plenty of shaded space. Susanna Holt’s sea lion sculptures, which have become a Holland America hallmark, overlook the area.

Staterooms are well designed and spacious, with plenty of storage space and excellent lighting. Every cabin, including minimums, has seating areas, double closets, a sofa, extra deep chests of drawers, a safe, hairdryer and voice mail. All twin beds can convert to queen size.

The 139 inside cabins have very comfortable 186-square foot dimensions and the 394 standard outsides run about 10 feet larger. All are decorated in subtle colors and quality fabrics.

Stepping up a notch or two are 168 mini-suites with verandas, each featuring a pair of John James Audubon prints from his “Birds of America” collection published in 1839. The ship has designated 19 cabins as wheelchair accessible.

There are twenty-eight 385-square foot suites. The 946-square foot penthouse suite houses one of the most spectacular pieces of art on the ship — a vibrant original oil painting by Dutch artist Maya Wildevuur titled “Flowerfield.” The penthouse suite also features a rococo Louis XV-style console table and a heart-shaped, ornately decorated Italian antique mirror, in addition to other antiques.

Dining on the Volendam is a matter of choice. One can select the self-service Lido for casual breakfasts, daily luncheons or even for dinner . Other options include the Pizzeria, Sports Bar for snacks and drinks, or Marco Polo, the optional Italian bistro, which resembles a neighborhood restaurant in Rome or Milan.

Elegant nightly dining takes place in the magnificent two-level Rotterdam Dining Room which, in addition to excellent artwork, features an unusual chandelier, graceful double staircase and contemporary lighting Menus throughout the fleet have been expanded and enhanced. A typical dinner menu offers six courses, with seven entrée choices. Broiled lobster tail, tenderloin of beef, medallions of pork, stuffed chicken breast, fettuccine, vegetarian tempura and the Indonesian highlight, Bami Goreng, are some of the specialties.

There are two sittings for dinner at assigned tables. Breakfast and lunch are open sittings.

Casual buffet breakfast and lunch are available in the Lido Restaurant, which has a meat carvery at lunchtime and breakfast eggs-to-order, in addition to an elaborate and extensive variety of other foods.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and Mexican specialties are offered on deck. There’s a do-it-yourself ice cream section, afternoon Dutch teatime and late night buffets, which are themed to a specialty, such as chocolate or pasta.

Entertainment is another area in which Holland America has changed its formula somewhat. With a focus on Broadway, shows in the two-deck showroom are fast-paced and entertaining. A talented team of 10 performers stage three full-scale productions with lavish costuming and lively dancing.

Special effects and advanced stage technology result in entertainment that keeps audience attention through finales. On other nights, individual performers — magicians, comedians and the like — take center stage. On special voyages, there are concert pianists and other musicians. Daytime activities are the usual cruise ship events, such as bingo and horseracing.

Some of my favorite places on the Volendam:
• Wajang Theater with its first-run movies, plush and comfortable seating and fresh popcorn available at the entrance before every show.
• Java Café, one of the few coffee bars at sea that steams up coffee for no additional charge. (Cookies, too.)
• Ocean Bar, with dancing every night before dinner. Music is easy listening and ‘50s-’60s dance tunes. Passengers share tables because there is more demand than space, resulting in a spirit of camaraderie.

Every Holland America Europe cruise also includes the Flagship Forum Lecture Series. Eight knowledgeable authorities speak on such topics as European culture, history, art and architecture, literature and music and the Holy Land. Alaska cruises feature exclusive shore excursions for junior travelers.

In a unique concept, passengers aboard Holland America ships on every cruise this year will celebrate the millennium with an exclusive theme party and show featuring “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” Passengers will be invited to join the festivities.

When it comes to service, it’s hard to complain about anything because the Indonesians and Filipinos are so anxious to please.

Overall, the Volendam reflects a graceful combination of classic and state-of-the-art features.

The Volendam sails on 10-day Caribbean cruises from Port Everglades until April when she transits the Panama Canal to homeport in Vancouver for one-week Alaska cruises. Her sister vessel, Zaandam, is expected to join the fleet in late spring 2000 and will remain in the Caribbean on one-week alternating Eastern and Western itineraries